Obviously the death could not be the direct results of the tear gas used
(CS). The problem the IDF how has to deal with is the blowback from the
initial smear job upon the woman. How to extricate the IDF from
hoof-in-mouth disease? The problem exists because the IDF did not use
an intelligent and informed argument in response to the incident. Had
the IDF pointed out the FACTS that it is virtually impossible to deliver
the concentrations of CS necessary over the time required to be lethal
in the open and with a breeze, it would have no problem now aside from
those who have no desire to know the truth. The problem is the smear
campaign launched as a defense, coupled with the even more despicable
lies spread by folks who fancy themselves friends of Israel. The exact
details of her affliction, prior conditions and treatment remain obscure
and within that obfuscation, somewhere, is the truth about why she died.
While tear gas may have had a part in her death the important FACT is
that the IDF did not use anything like the amount of CS to cause
anything more than discomfort. Perhaps the IDF is learning. The
handling of the death of an old man in Hebron has been - so far - much
more intelligent than the handling of the Bil'lin incident.

If Israel shows greater flexibility, it can still influence the post-nuclear deal agenda ; If Israel digs in its heels, it will increasingly become a liability rather than a strategic asset to the U.S.

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